NBC resurrects ‘Fear Factor’

Unscripted hit ran six seasons ending in 2006

NBC is reviving “Fear Factor,” the Endemol USA-produced unscripted series that proved a potent addition to the Peacock’s primetime schedule a decade ago.

The network is mum on exactly when the gameshow, featuring contestants performing elaborate stunts to win $50,000, is going back into production or joining the schedule. “Factor” ran for six seasons beginning in 2001.

Executive producer Matt Kunitz and David Hurwitz will return to oversee the series; no word yet on whether Joe Rogan is coming back as host of “Factor.”

The series was also the first unscripted production in the U.S. to be sold into syndication. “Factor” was adapted from an Endemol format produced first for the Netherlands with the title “Now or Neverland.”

“Factor” was a ratings winner its first few seasons, though its usage of stomach-churning contests like eating various squirming creatures made it a controversial show in those early days of the reality-TV boom.